The Lowdown: Lupine Rotlicht

It’s really fascinating that some of the coolest technology is being poured into tail lights rather than headlights. Headlights just get brighter in an Arm’s Race of sorts. But tail lights can become smarter by incorporating accelerometers, cameras, lasers and sensors all too keep the cyclist safe. After all, most cyclists are hit by motorists because they are not seen. So this is a very worthy endeavor

The Lupine Rotlicht is a 160 Lumen light with four different light modes are available: steady, flashing, wave pulse, and pulse. It has an accelerometer that allows it to function as a brake light. When you pull on the brakes and slow down significantly or come to a stop, the built in acceleration sensor turns the light brighter to gain more attention on the streets.

It is also light sensing and has automatic light adjustment depending on the ambient light. If for example a car comes closer, the light turns brighter, allowing the rider to become more visible.

What’s cool about it

The Lupine Rotlicht gets brighter when the cyclist comes to a stop. It also gets brighter when there’s more ambient light, like a car shining lights on it.

Stat Box

Claimed Lumens: 160 Lumens

Category: Tail Light

Measured Lumens: N/A Lumens

Price: $125

Run time on high: 2:00 Hours

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Mounted weight: 60 grams

Pluses

Minuses

Aluminum bodied tail light will outlast your bike

Not everyone is ready to spend $125 on a tail light

Includes accelerometer to function as a brake light

A brake light may not be that relevant for all riders

Has a light sensor to get brighter when cars are approaching

Would be great if this light turned itself on and off based on motion

German reliability and engineering

60 grams is the weight with the mount (click to enlarge).

Full Review: Lupine Rotlicht

Technologically, this is an awesome light with German engineering and best-of-breed safety features. But not everyone is ready for the $125 price point. But if you want to be safe and you’re ready for a light that will last decades, the Rotlicht is a good option.

We’ve used one for a year and it’s as reliable as day one. The light is bright, lively but not annoying like many of the flashing or strobing tail lights.

Rear is completely sealed and features a very effective, angled mounting system (click to enlarge).

This can even be used in a peloton as riders behind you can tell when you’re decelerating.

This is an light that can last decades and it is small and efficient with light and energy. It is easily portable from bike to bike as mounting is simple and effective.

The founder of mtbr and roadbikereview, Francis Cebedo believes that every cyclist has a lot to teach and a lot to learn. "Our websites are communal hubs for sharing cycling experiences, trading adventure stories, and passing along product information and opinions." Francis' favorite bike is the last bike he rode, whether it's a lugged commuter, ultralight carbon road steed, singlespeed or trail bike. Indeed, Francis loves cycling in all its forms and is happiest when infecting others with that same passion. This obsessive personality has also turned him into a bit of an addict when it comes to high quality coffee and IPAs.

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